FAQs for HMi Sozo Ministry

FAQs for Sozo Ministry at Heartbeat Church

Q1. What is Heartbeat Ministry International’s (HMI) Sozo Ministry?

“Sozo” is a Greek word meaning “to be made whole” It is found 110 times in the New Testament where it is variously translated as “saved”, “healed”, or “delivered”. HMI’s Sozo Ministry is part of the Bethel Church (Redding, CA) International Sozo Network. As part of that network, HMI’s Sozo ministers have been trained and mentored by Bethel team leaders to use the same ministry methods to identify lies, hurts, wounds and strongholds. We seek to facilitate a living, life changing encounter between each Sozo guest and the Lord.

Q2. Who is a good candidate for Sozo ministry?

For Sozo ministry to be effective the guest must first want a potentially life-changing encounter with God and second, must be completely willing to be open and interactive in the process. Therefore we do not recommend Sozo for anyone who is not willing to actively participate in their own healing. We cannot effectively minister to those who do not desire it for themselves. No matter how much others care for and desire a person to have Sozo ministry experience, third party referrals or endorsements are meaningless without the active agreement and desire of the candidate him or herself.

Q3. What kind of ministry can I expect from HMI Sozo?

Sozo is a unique inner healing and deliverance ministry. It is not counseling or therapy. It is not a prayer ministry. It is an encounter with the Spirit of truth (see John 8:31-32; 14:15-17). Where truth reigns, lies can’t stand and any spiritual oppression based on those lies must end. Sozo is designed to be fast, effective and life giving. Its aim is to get to the root of things hindering your personal connection with the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). This ministry is provided by trained and equipped members, all of whom are skilled in hearing and following the lead of the Holy Spirit. This ministry seeks to facilitate personal encounters with God, who is the only one who really provides spiritual freedom, inner healing and wholeness. You can expect to be treated with love and respect in your ministry session. You do not have to be a member of HMI to request a Sozo session.

Q4. How long does it take to get an appointment?

Our goal is to provide timely ministry. However, since we rely upon a few well-trained volunteers to provide the ministry, our appointment schedule is both limited and changeable. Your availability will play a large role in this as well. We aim to assign you to a ministry team (minimum of two people) that can meet with you as soon as possible after you submit the ministry request form. However, the waiting time may vary from a few days to several weeks.

After receiving your Request for Sozo ministry form, your name is placed on the waiting list. We will do our best to match our availability with yours, however, sometimes you may need to fit your schedule into the timelines that we are able to offer. You will be contacted approximately one week before your session is scheduled. Please be patient and pray for the Sozo team that will minister to you. Prayalso that you will have a life changing encounter with the Lord during your Sozo session. If you have been in the queue for some time and wish find out where you are, please feel free to ask at sozoministry@hmichurch.com

If you are unable to keep an assigned appointment advise us as soon as possible at sozoministry@hmichurch.com so we can reschedule. Please note that failure to keep an appointment scheduled will result in removal from the queue. You will have to reapply for another appointment. If you will be more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, please call your assigned Sozo team leader. If you are more than 15 minutes late and you have not given us prior notice, your appointment may be cancelled and your name removed from the active queue.

Q5. What can I expect during a ministry session?

Generally speaking, each session will average from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. You can expect to be treated with love and respect regardless of the problem or issue you need help with. You can expect our volunteer team to keep your information confidential. Your ministry team will make every effort to facilitate a healing encounter between you and Father God. Our goal is to see every child of God who comes to us walk away refreshed, strengthened and rejoicing in the Lord.

Each ministry appointment can be unique, depending on the issues that are dealt with. Generally speaking, the ministry team leader will ask questions of you and ask you to pray.

You are free to stop the session at any time

You are free to decline to answer any question

The ministry team leader is also free to end the session at any time for any reason

There are several ministry approaches, sometimes called ‘ministry tools’, that the team leader may choose to pursue. You may be asked to renounce lies you have believed, break “agreements with darkness,” or repent (or turn away from) something as the Holy Spirit leads. Other prayers of affirmation, declaration and establishing the authority of Christ in your life may be used. Prayers for forgiveness, cleansing, restoration, and deliverance are commonly used

Q6. How many sessions will I need?

Many believers give testimony of greater freedom in just one session. Since we cannot control your will and desire to yield freely to the Holy Spirit, we cannot guarantee results. But don’t be concerned you might not be able to be “open” enough. Remember, His grace is sufficient for you.

One thing we can state plainly: Everyone who encounters Jesus walks away changed. The level of change, whether good or not, depends on your willingness ahead of time to “deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him.” That requires an act of your will and ‘setting of your heart’ to diligently seek Him, to know Him and follow Him. The Lord delights in manifesting Himself to His children and undoing the works of the devil. When you encounter the Living Truth, you will be set free. You may be given post-session instructions on how you are to maintain your freedom and continue your journey to deeper and deeper intimacy with Christ. Sozo does not provide ongoing pastoral care or support group services.

Q7. What kinds of issues are dealt with in HMI Sozo ministry?

Any issue that keeps the believer from enjoying life in the Kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. A partial list of issues includes:

CAUTION: Even if you believe you’ve been healed, if you are taking prescribed medications, over the counter drugs or holistic treatments for any of these issues, please be advised that you should continue taking your medication until you can consult your doctor or health advisor. Certain prescribed medications cannot be stopped abruptly without possible negative and even dangerous side effects.

Q8. What kinds of issues do you not deal with in HMI Sozo ministry?

We do not provide any type of emergency response. We do not do alcohol or drug interventions. We do not provide psychological services, therapies or diagnoses. We cannot make “house calls”. We do not provide ongoing counseling or support groups. We are not qualified to advise you regarding your prescribed medications, medical therapies or treatments.

HMI reserves the right to refuse to provide Sozo ministry if, after review, Sozo methods are deemed inappropriate or likely ineffectual for the presenting situation, if the presenting situation is judged to be beyond the skill or capacity of our team or for any other reason to ensure the safety and well-being of both minister and guest.

Q9. How much does a session cost?

We do not attach any fixed fees to our ministry sessions, but we do encourage you to pray about making a donation to the ministry. God’s Word teaches us, that “the workman is worthy of his hire”. It is a matter of honoring those who serve you. Your donation helps tremendously in the ongoing training and development of the volunteers and ministers. If you require tax receipt for your donation, please make your check out to “HMI Sozo”. We can also accept donations via credit card or online donations via our website at www.hmichurch.com Our Sozo volunteers make some great personal sacrifices in order to help all that come in find their freedom in Christ. Regardless, we will always minister to anyone who, for any reason, is unable to make a donation.

Q10. How do I become an HMI Sozo Ministry team Member?

HMI Sozo team members are selected from HMI church members who have a deep desire to see people set free and who volunteer to be trained and equipped in this ministry. An application form can be obtained from the HMI administrator. Volunteers that are selected for training and development will first serve on an HMI Sozo team as an apprentice then later as an intern. Interns sit next to the team leader and may provide comments or prayers during these sessions, as the Sozo leader requests. Team leaders are selected from those interns who have served effectively in a number of Sozo sessions over an extended period of time and have demonstrated the ability to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow Him in the ministry. They also must have the endorsement of HMI Sozo and pastoral leadership. You must be a member of HMI church for at least six months before applying to be on an HMI Sozo team. All Sozo team members have had a Sozo session themselves. All Sozo team members are trained to maintain confidentiality. We conduct background checks on all team members.

Q11. If I don’t attend HMI church, can I still be included in the training?

Yes, you may be included in the basic Bethel Sozo training. Just leave your contact information with the team lead in your session and you will be informed of the times and dates of the next training available.

Q12. What if I want to speak to someone more about HMI church’s Sozo ministry?